The current RFS requires 7.5 billion gallons by 2012. Bush calls for a 35 billion gallon RFS by 2017.

Stock prices of many companies with interests in the agricultural sector are setting all-time record highs with investors recognizing the key role these companies will have in producing the feedstocks necessary in creating biofuels and achieving the RFS.

DuPont is partnering with Deere & Company, Michigan State University, Diversa and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to produce cellulosic ethanol from corn plants.

Through a $38 million matching grant partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, DuPont and partners are developing cost-effective technology to convert cellulose to sugar to meet the biofuels market demands.

General Motors opens a "Fuel For Thought" display at Walt Disney World Resort's Epcot theme park. The exhibit features fuel cell technology, hybrid vehicles and ethanol-powered cars and trucks providing entertainment for visitors of all ages.

"Epcot is an amazing imaginative theme park," said Betsy Lazar, Exec Dir of Advtg and Media Ops for General Motors. "With the addition of 'Fuel For Thought,' visitors will now have an opportunity to explore innovative aspects and applications of automotive technology through a fun-filled experience."

Advanced BioNutrition Corp. (ABN) announces William F. Kirk joins the company as Chmn and CEO.

Prior to joining ABN Kirk was with DuPont as Group VP and was named NAMA's "Agribusiness Leader of the Year" in 1998.

David J. Kyle, ABN founder, will remain with ABN as Pres and Chief Scientific Officer.

Syngenta announces the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved the stacked combination of its new corn rootworm trait with its European corn borer trait.

This approval allows Syngenta to launch its triple stacked corn that includes glyphosate tolerance. The double stack, Agrisure CB/RW, will be available in limited quantities for the 2007 growing season and the triple stack, Agrisure GT/CB/RW will be available for 2008.

She will oversee the group's advertising, communications, and public relations strategies and programs. She has held various marketing and communications positions in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

John Deere's Agricultural Division's media purchasing will be conducted in-house beginning in March. This change is effective for Deere's Agricultural division that is located in Lenexa, KS.

The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) reports global biotech crops acreage reached 252 million acres in 2006.

Global biotech crop acreage increased more than 13% from 2005, when 222 million acres of biotech crops were grown in 21 countries. PG Economics studies have found that biotech crops have cumulatively increased farm income by $27 billion over the last decade.

The Cornucopia Institute, a prominent organic watchdog, accuses Wal-Mart Stores Inc. of misrepresenting nonorganic food as "organic." New store inspections by the institute found product misrepresentation continued after complaints were filed with authorities.

Farms.com names Graham Dyer as CEO following the death of its Pres Douglas Mauslast year.

Dyer's background includes broad business and consulting experience in the financial, new economy, food and agricultural sectors and he was part of the founding management team of eHARVEST.com, the predecessor to Farms.com.

Ben Church joins the Pfizer cattle marketing team as Mktg Comms Mgr for dairy. Church will manage the development and implementation of all customer communication programs targeting the dairy segment.

Raegan Weber is named Mktg Comms Mgr for beef and will manage all customer communication programs targeting the beef segment.

Dee Weeda and Stephanie Veldman will help coordinate the media relations and public relations work for the Pfizer cattle group.

Planalytics, Wayne, PA, expands its business weather intelligence offerings to the Life Sciences field.

Jed Lafferty will head the Planalytics Life Sciences team as Managing Dir. "With over 25 years experience in agricultural products marketing, distribution and information management, Jed brings a unique perspective to our business," says Planalytics Pres/CEO Fred Fox.

Planalytics also announces the launch of FlashWeather Life Sciences its free, weekly e-newsletter. Targeted at agribusiness andfood industry professionals, FlashWeather Life Sciences covers the impact of weather on crop and livestock production and the businesses and organizations aligned with them.

For a free subscription to Planalytics FlashWeather, go to www.planalytics.com/Content104.phtml.

AGCO partners with NBC's "Deal or No Deal," to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation by auctioning off a special edition, pink Massey Ferguson tractor on eBay.